Abu Dhabi plans to build a modern tram network linking Zayed International Airport to Yas Island’s leisure, retail and residential districts, with construction to start next year and passenger service targeted for 2030, the Abu Dhabi Transport Company (ADT) said at the Global Rail 2025 event.
The Abu Dhabi Light Rail project was presented as a three-phase programme featuring a main depot near Etihad Airways’ headquarters, high-capacity stations and dedicated park-and-ride facilities to smooth passenger flows. A route map displayed at the event highlighted an “Urban Loop” concept and a corridor referred to as Abu Dhabi Tram Line 4, running through Yas Island and nearby communities in Al Raha, ADT said. Later phases are planned to extend services deeper into residential areas including Khalifa City and additional parts of Yas Island.
The alignment is designed to connect the capital’s international gateway to some of its best-known destinations on Yas Island, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall and the Yas Marina Circuit. The network could also serve a potential future Disneyland on Yas Island, Gulf News reported, citing the presentation materials.
ADT said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi Airports to advance integrated public transport systems across the emirate, aiming to improve connectivity to the air hub and provide seamless interchanges with other modes. The partnership will focus on sustainable, user-friendly connections that enhance passenger experience and support economic growth in line with Abu Dhabi’s wider mobility and sustainability goals, according to the company’s presentation as reported by Gulf News.
Saeed Salem Al Suwaidi, ADT’s chief executive, said the company is “reimagining” urban mobility by leveraging integrated transport ecosystems, smart infrastructure and data-driven planning to create more connected cities, Gulf News reported. Neither ADT nor the conference materials disclosed capital costs, fleet suppliers or the total route length, and the plans remain subject to detailed design and procurement.
The initiative marks a step-change for the United Arab Emirates’ capital, which has expanded its bus network and road infrastructure in recent years but has not yet introduced a citywide rail transit system. Dubai, the UAE’s commercial centre, operates a metro and a tram, while other Gulf capitals including Doha have built metro networks and Riyadh is preparing to open a multi-line metro system. Abu Dhabi authorities have previously floated rail-based urban transit in strategic plans but earlier iterations were deferred.
The proposed tram would link the airport—rebranded as Zayed International Airport and opened with a new Terminal A in late 2023—directly to Yas Island, a tourism hub anchored by theme parks and the Formula One Grand Prix circuit. The corridor also passes growing residential districts, positioning the project to serve both daily commuters and visitors.
Abu Dhabi has set long-term objectives to reduce congestion and emissions and improve last-mile connectivity, part of the UAE’s broader sustainability agenda. While the presentation at Global Rail 2025 outlined an aggressive timeline—breaking ground next year and entering service by 2030—industry analysts note that urban rail projects typically depend on timely land acquisition, utility relocation, tendering and rolling stock delivery schedules.
Further details on station locations, service frequencies, fare integration and the interface with buses and taxis are expected as ADT advances design and begins procurement. The company did not provide a comment beyond its presentation, and Abu Dhabi Airports did not immediately respond to a request for additional details on the scope of the MoU.
